Consensual Non-monogamy in Romantic Relationships (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, SWs, and Marriage & Family Therapists

Course By: Ken Springer, PhD

Content By:  Wood, J., Quinn-Nilas, C., Milhausen, R., Desmarais, S., Muise, A., & Sakaluk, J. (2021). A dyadic examination of self-determined sexual motives, need fulfillment, and relational outcomes among consensually non-monogamous partners. PLoS ONE, 16(2).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247001

Course Description: Little is known about need fulfillment and relational outcomes in consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships, in which both partners permit additional sexual, romantic, and/or intimate connections. In Part 1 of the present study, self-report surveys were administered on one occasion to measure sexual motives, need fulfillment, and relationship satisfaction among adults in CNM relationships. In Part 2, these variables were measured across a 21-day period by means of daily surveys administered online. In both parts of the study, the researchers found that having sex with one's primary partner for self-determined reasons (i.e., for pleasure or intimacy) was associated with greater personal fulfillment as well as satisfaction with the primary relationship. As predicted by self-determination theory, the benefits of one individual having sex for self-determined reasons extended to both members of the couple. In Part 1 of the study, greater fulfillment through sex outside the primary relationship was not associated with the individual's relationship satisfaction but did negatively impact their partner's satisfaction. This finding was not replicated in Part 2, although sexual fulfillment outside the primary relationship was associated with personal need fulfillment. These and other findings have implications for therapy with individuals and couples who are currently in or considering participation in a CNM relationship.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how self-determination theory (SDT) provides a framework for the questions addressed in the current study
2. Describe the methods used for data collection, as well as the associations found among reasons for having sex, need fulfillment, and relationship satisfaction for individuals in CNM relationships
3. Integrate the strengths and limitations of the study, and summarize the clinical implications for supporting individuals and couples who are in or may someday be in a CNM relationship

Course Outline:

• Read and understand A dyadic examination of self-determined sexual motives, need fulfillment, and relational outcomes among consensually non-monogamous partners
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Describe SDT and analyze how it serves as a framework for the questions addressed in this study
• Distinguish between the methods used for data collection in each part of the study
• Identify both similarities and differences in the findings of each part of the study
• Integrate the key findings, strengths, limitations, and clinical implications
• Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
• Revisit the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand associations among reasons for having sex, fulfillment, and relationship satisfaction in CNM relationships

Approvals: